Shami Has Returned With A Strong Performance: In October 2021, India lost a T20 World Cup match to Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After the loss, Mohammed Shami faced a lot of online hate and abuse, with many blaming him for the defeat. Even though then-captain Virat Kohli and political leaders supported him, the abuse continued for a while. Shami stayed quiet during this time.
On February 20, Shami made a strong statement, not with words but with his performance. He said, “The past is past. People will keep reminding you of bad performances, but as a cricketer, you need to focus on present and plan for the future.” He proved this by delivering an excellent bowling performance, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs, helping India win their first match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy.
This performance not only silenced his critics but also made him India’s top wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments, surpassing Zaheer Khan. He now has 202 wickets in ODIs. Captain Rohit Sharma praised Shami, saying how important he is to the team and how happy they were to see him back in action after a 14-month injury break. Shami had undergone heel surgery and faced doubts about returning to his best form.
Shami Opens Up About His Tough Journey Back to International Cricket
Shami spoke about his journey, saying it was tough dealing with pain and regaining his rhythm. He played domestic matches to rebuild his confidence before returning to international cricket. His hard work paid off, and his performance against Bangladesh showed his skill and determination. His ability to perform in big tournaments was evident as he took his fifth five-wicket haul in a global competition.
Shami’s journey back to form wasn’t easy. He spent hours practicing at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, focusing on his bowling techniques. The selectors didn’t rush him back into international cricket, allowing him to play domestic matches first. This approach helped him regain his confidence and rhythm.
He’s comeback has given the Indian team a lot of confidence. His dedication and performance show that he is still a key player for India, especially in important tournaments.
